SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover experience
Hello and welcome back. In this project, we are going to assemble a SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit step by step. This is my first Rover robot experience. Also, this kit is provided to me by SunFounder company. The SunFounder is an 11-year-old STEAM and Maker education company that helps beginners to learn Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and ESP32.
This Rover kit is mainly based on the Arduino UNO board. Also, the ESP32 CAM module is included for the FPV experience. That is a cool experience. We can use this kit in two ways. That is,
1. Play mode: You can easily control it using the SunFounder app, and the Arduino code is already loaded onto the robot, so you don’t have to worry about that. You can download the app from the Play Store or the App Store.
- If you want to learn more info about the Play mode, please use this link — Click on me
- More info about this app — Click on me
2. Course mode: In this mode, you can learn more about what the rover is and how to build it step by step. You can also check each component with its corresponding code. This mode is great for learning programming and mechanical systems, and you can gain a better understanding of NASA’s real Mars rovers.
- If you want to learn more info about the course mode, please use this link — Click on me
In this project, I have used the Play mode. Using this mode, we can explore obstacle avoidance, human following, voice control, and remote control with FPV, which makes for a more immersive experience. Also, GalaxyRVR is capable of traversing all kinds of terrains – be it rocky mountains, muddy roads, sandy beaches, or grassy fields. The suspension system ensures smooth mobility. For these reasons, you can get a better experience using this Rover robot.
Specification of this Rover
- Mainboard – Arduino UNO R3 board
- Programming language – C++
- Input modules – Ultrasonic sensor, Obstacle avoidance sensor
- Battery life – 130min
- Functions – Climb over, FPV, Obstacle avoidance, Illumination, Voice control
- WIFI – Esp32 CAM
- Control method – App control
- Output modules – RGB LED strips
- Charging methods – Solar, Type-C adapter
- Structural materials – Aluminum alloy
Ok, let’s assemble this Rover robot kit step by step. You can buy it using the links below.
- Amazon — Click on me
- SunFounder website — Click on me
Step 1
Firstly, unbox this kit and identify the components one by one.
Step 2
Now, let’s begin the assembly process. For that, you can use our guide or SunFounder assembly guide. First, install the main motor arm holding bracket using M3X6 Screws.
- Full guide and other info about this Mars Rover Kit — Click on me
Step 3
Then, assemble the C plates into D plates. For that, use the M3X10 screws, self-locking nuts, and Metal washers. Also, tighten the self-locking nuts, then slightly loosen them for free plate rotation. Please use the following images for that.
Step 4
Next. connect these parts to the rover’s main holding parts. For that, use the M3x25 screws, Metal washers, and self-locking nuts. Please connect them correct side. For that check the arrow marks.
Step 5
After that, connect the plate E on the Rover main body. For that, use the M3x10 screw, Metal washer, and self-locking nut. Then, connect it to D plates. For that, use the pictures below.
Step 6
Then, connect the bat-shaped motor holding arms(Plate F) to the main motor holders(Plate D). For that, use the M3x14 screws, Acrylic Washers, and Self-locking nuts. Also, tighten the self-locking nuts, then slightly loosen them for free plate rotation.
Step 7
Next, install the battery using the Velcro sticker. Then, install the Arduino UNO board on the Rover body. For that, use the M3x8+6 Standoff and M3x6 screws.
Step 8
Now, connect the GalaxyRVR shield to the Arduino UNO board. Then, connect the battery to the shield battery port.
Step 9
After that, connect the gear motors to the motor arms. For that, use the M3x25 screws, Spring Washers, and M3 nuts. After, connect the motor wires to the GalaxyRVR shield. Please use the following images for the correct motor position and wire connections.
Step 10
Ok, now connect the wheels to the gear motors. For that, use the Shaft adapter and M2.3×20 screws.
Step 11
Next, connect the two M3x28 Standoff for mounting the Acrylic plate. After, install the IR sensor modules in front of the Rover. For that, use the M3x8+6 Standoff and M3x6 screws. Also, please use the following images for the correct wire connections.
Step 12
Now, let’s install the ultrasonic sensor. For that, use the G plate and R3080 Rivets. After, mount the RGB strips near the battery and connect the all wires to the shield.
Step 13
Next, install the ESP32-CAM holder(Plate H) on the Rover. For that, use the M3x6 screws.
Step 14
Now, let’s calibrate the servo motor. For that, follow the steps below.
- First, connect the Type-C cable and charge the battery.
- After, remove the cable and Power on the rover.
- Now, connect the servo motor to the shield. In this case, the servo motor rotates the 90-degree position with preloaded code.
- Next, connect the servo arm using the image below. Finally, turn off the power.
Step 15
In this step, connect the servo motor to Plate I. Then, connect it to the main holder(Plate H). For that, use the R2056 Rivets, R3065 Rivets and M1.5×3 Screws.
Step 16
Next, connect the camera cable to the camera adapter and shield. Then install this board on the plate I. For that, use the R3055 Rivets.
Step 17
Afterward, connect the camera to the camera module. For that, lift the cover and insert the camera ribbon. Then, push the cover slowly. Now, connect this module to the camera adapter.
Step 18
Next, attach the acrylic plate to the bottom of the rover. Use M3x6 screws for that.
Step 19
Now let’s arrange the cables. Use cable ties and cable wraps for that. You can do it as you like.
Step 20
OK, everything is done. Now you have two options. That is,
- Solar charging system.
- Installation of other sensors (sensors are not included in this kit).
I have used the solar charging system. First, install the M3x30+6 standoffs on the rover. Now, if you want you can connect the Acrylic plate on the standoffs and install the sensors on this plate. But, I used the solar charging system. Therefore, install the plate J and K on the standoffs. Use the M3x6 screws for that.
Step 21
Next, install the L plate on this stand. Then, mount the solar panel using foam tape.
Step 22
Finally, connect the solar panel cable to the shield. Then, arrange the wire using the fiber tape.
Ok, GalaxyRVR Mars Rover is ready for you.
Step 23
Ok, now let’s set up the SunFounder app. You can download it using the Play Store or App Store. Please use the following instructions for that.
- First, turn on your Rover and press the reset button. Then open your mobile WIFI settings and turn on WIFI.
- Now, you can see the Rover Name as GalaxyRVR. Then connect to it using this password. “12345678”
- Next, open the app. In this case, you will see the Connected Successfully message. Now click the + icon button and select the GalaxyRVR remote.
This remote control includes the following features.
- Servo(D): You can move the ESP32 CAM module up and down
- Avoid(E): You can change it to obstacle avoidance mode.
- Follow(F): You can change this rover to human following mode
- Stop(I): Immediately halts all Rover movements.
- STT(J): You can control it using voice commands. These are given below.
- • stop: All movements of the rover can be stopped.
- • forward: Let the rover move forward.
- • backward: Let the rover move backward.
- • left: Let the rover turn left.
- • right: Let the rover turn right.
- HeadLamp(M): To turn the LED on/off on the ESP32 CAM.
- Throttle Widgets on K and Q: You can move Rover on any side.
- Left IR(N): Displays the readings from the left obstacle avoidance module.
- Ultrasonic(O): Shows ultrasonic sensor readings.
- Right IR(P): Displays the readings from the right obstacle avoidance module.
If you use Avoid mode or Follow mode, you have to adjust the IR receiver modules. For that, rotate the presets and get the best distance. OK, now click the run button and enjoy with your Rover robot. The full video guide is below. So, we hope to see you in the next project. have a good day.
Troubleshooting
- Check the wire connections.
- Check the power source.
- Check the application connection.
- Set the IR sensor module sensor ranges.
